Head Quarters 2^nd Brig 1^st Div

Camp at Gainesville Nov 6^th 1862

 

            I wrote you a letter this morning dear wife but as I have an opportunity of sending one by Major Reily I will write again. Whilst we were at supper an order came in regard to filling up our regiments from the drafted men, which enabled me to order Major Reily to Ohio. I sent for him and gave the order which will probably carry him tomorrow towards home. How much I wish that I could have ordered myself, so as to see you once again so soon. I feel tonight very homesick and would give anything to be with you, or to start for home with the Major. Instead of this however we are under marching orders for tomorrow morning at eight oclock. In what direction we are to go, I am not informed, but I presume we go to Warrenton / Of this however I am not atall certain and in fact have no knowledge upon the subject further than an order to be ready to march at 8 Oclock in the morning. How much I wish our whole army under M^cClellan would march forward and drive the rebels from this whole region. I have heretofore had, and still have every confidence in M^cClellan, but I am at a loss to account for the delay in the advance of his army. Winter is coming on rapidly, and very little progress seems to have been made towards Richmond. Today it has been cold and blustering, and our men have nothing but the little shelter tent which is no protection atall in such winter weather. This cannot continue long. Our men will not be able to stand the winter as they are, and unless we march onward and in this way keep up the excitement and enthusiasm, the troops will have to go into permanent quarters for the winter. 

 

            If we are not going to march against the rebel army and on to Richmond, the sooner we make ourselves comfortable the better. Sigels corps is now from all appearances on the left wing of our army, and a little in the rear, so that we may be held as a reserve corps to protect the road to Washington in case Lee should attempt to make a dash across the Blue Ridge towards Washington around the army of M^cClellan.

 

In my letter this morning I suggested whether it would not be well for you to come on to Washington, and wait there until our position for the winter was decided. I asked you to reply at once and decide upon your course, and if you come I would immediately write to Ev upon the receipt of your reply to look out for a suitable place for you. Her house is too full for our family, if you remain for the winter. 

 

Since writing the last sentence I do not know but that it would be better if you make up your mind to come on, to take advantage of Major Reily's escort, if he can possibly so arrange as to accompany you on his return to Washington. I do not know that he can bring you as he is ordered to bring on soldiers and he may be compelled to go in the cars with them which you could not do. I will talk with him about it before he goes. Perhaps you can as well get boarding after you reach Washington, as to have any arrangement made beforehand. In coming to Washington you must not expect to see me, or come to me immediately, but will have to be contented until I can properly arrange the matter. You may rest assured I shall not keep away from you any longer than is absolutely necessary. The only objection / to this course is the expense, but after all what will the money be to the happiness which our meeting will be to us. I am afraid the Department will not help me any in the way of increased pay, by giving me my promotion. If so we could very well afford the outlay this winter. I do not hear of any promotions being made lately, and I am afraid I am laid on the shelf for the present. This is very provoking, and very mortifying, but I can do nothing but submit in patience, hoping that my time will come in the future.

 

How do you think baby will stand a winters trip. She must be well protected in every way, and you also must prepare yourself with every comfort needed in cold weather. Particularly remember your india rubber boots, for if you come to me / out of a city, you will have to wade in mud every time you go out. I sometimes fear that my desire to have you near me may make me consent too readily to expose you to hardships in coming on and whilst here, but I will try and keep you in Washington until I can have a comfortable place for you. Away from Washington our expenses would be less, and we could be together, but how to provide for the school for Evy & Johny I do not know. Never mind we certainly can make some arrangement when you come on. How happy it makes me feel at even this slight prospect of soon seeing you. If you find that you can come with Major Reily, you must go to Evelines until you can find a good place. If you come write me word in advance if possible. I shall await your reply with impatience Love to Eliza and the children with loving kisses to darling wife.     M^cLean /

 

I kept my letter open until this morning, as Major Reily did not get off last night. He has just come in with his papers all signed and starts in a few moments for Ohio. How I envy him, but if he brings you back then it will be my turn to be envied by all the officers. Our order to march this morning at 8 oclock was countermanded and so we still remain here for a little while. It is well that we did not march for it has turned terribly cold, with snow and a fierce howling wind that cuts like a knife. How on earth our poor soldiers are to stand this weather without proper tents I cannot imagine. I have given the Major my watch to take to M^cGreer. He charged me three dollars for repairing it, and warranted it to run. It is of no use to me & unless it can be made to run you had better bring / me my gold watch. If you come put some night shirts in your trunk for me which I can use when away from camp. If you come you will have to make preparation in a great hurry for all things during your absence, as the Major will not doubt be but a very short time at home. If Tot could only dispose of her friend she might come on also, if she desires to do so. She could visit her Aunt Ev, but I am at a loss to point out the way to accommodate all things, & all parties. I shall expect you to come sooner or later unless you desire not to do so. Provide yourself with every comfort for cold weather, and for many discomforts when you come with me. There are no stores to buy anything at and you must not expect to be able to supply yourself with even the smallest articles bring them all with you. Love to Eliza and the children, & kisses to darling wife.      M^cLean.

 

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I wish we could have Eliza with us. She would however find it anything but pleasant for her in this dutch camp.

M^cLean

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